How to Sew Heavy Specialty Fabrics (Pleather, Vinyl, Cork)

If you’re working on a project that requires pleather, vinyl, or cork, don’t fret. While these materials may require a few simple adjustments, simply using the right needle, thread, and understanding the material is all it takes to sew with these fabrics and easily as any other!💡
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[@gracegorman642]

Excellent video. No bullshit. No stupid background music. Thank you. Have subscribed.

[@internetgirl3982]

Great video - goes right to the tips, no chit chat or random comments! All your tips were really good for sewing with the thicker pleather/vinyl/cork material. Greatly appreciated!

[@alexandracarter1408]

you just saved me. I'd been using the same, thicker thread on the bobbin and I couldn't get the stitches to properly sew no matter how I adjusted the tension. Using a thinner thread for the bobbin fixed the stitch issues, thanks so much!

[@curiositydrawsme9180]

Your thread-weight information was so useful. I work with a lot of specialty materials like foam, faux fur, leather/pleather/vinyl, but am newly learning about cork in its many forms and uses. I love the generosity of people who share their knowledge in this way. Thank you! P.S. In the spirit of sharing knowledge, a quick fix if someone doesn’t have ready access to a Teflon or walking foot: you can stick a piece of matte/satin finish scotch-tape to the bottom of the presser-foot. Just cut a hole for the needle and thread to pass through before use, so that the adhesive and bits of the tape-plastic are less likely to make their way inside the bobbin compartment of your machine.

[@FlagOscar]

Sewing with vinyl for the first time. Thank you for these tips!

[@bonnieplummer6220]

I just learned so much in this 4 minute video. Thank you so much!

[@user-zd5pg1qx1z]

Thank you for this information. I was struggling with vinyl and cork.

[@marleymarley1360]

Hello very informative video. I've messed up many pieces of faux leather. This is already so helpful . I would like to see more without the black bar in it. Thank you,

[@Kukimuncher]

thanks for the tips and info! I made my own custom motorcycle seat cover this video helped a bunch.

[@LadyAyleene]

I'm about to make a floor length pleather coat (cosplay) and was in desperate need for more information. I just made very small pleather pieces and they already were a pain in the *** with my machine. Now I know I used the wrong needle and foot. My biggest worry is the holes if I make a mistake. I guess I'll just work very slow and carefully and do 10 mockups in advance 😉

[@debbievelazquez1467]

I would like to see user friendly tips for vinyl slipping when sewing multiple layers

[@1979augistine]

Double sided tape keeps it from sliding and slipping

[@creating1_c1999]

walking foot

[@sheyrieg6473]

What an awesome tutorial…desperately needed; thank you

[@2ndsights]

Thank you so much, I just learned recently how to set up and use my sewing machine so this is all foreign to me. Really glad I didn't jump the gun and put the pleather I have in there!

[@mrtruedetermination]

The most charming and educational video I've ever watched. Thank you!

[@WonderFilThreads]

Thank you so much! Glad to hear this video was helpful!

[@everettea6793]

Short, sweet and to the point!

[@cheerfulmouse]

Thank you so much!! I am working on a project using PVC material (workout mat) I will be hand sewing, some corners, but still very helpful info!!

[@mirnasmith5085]

Video on sew a zipper on vinyl or letter jacket. Thank you

[@kristijay3524]

Exactly the information I needed, thank you for this video!!

[@imechavez6336]

Wow!… wonderful information… Just what I needed… I am working with burlap with sticky back 😅 thank you so much!!!

[@kathleendailey4454]

Helpful video for tips on how to sew marine vinyl, thank you. I am making a cover for my evaporative cooler to help prevent cold air from blowing into my house.

[@WonderFilThreads]

Very cool! Good luck with your project!

[@mariaestherhernandezdoming5720]

Thanks, that was so helpful on my project. Blessings a lot 🙏 ❤

[@smolbluelady5278]

Thank you for this information! I learned so much and will definitely be reference your video when I start my next project!

[@lass-inangeles7564]

What an excellent tutorial on vinyl sewing! Much appreciated!!! fyi - please consider no music on videos. Very distracting.

[@joelthigpen6378]

Thank you so much for this video! It was very informative and focused. It answered all my questions

[@WonderFilThreads]

Glad to hear you learned a lot from our video! :D

[@licoriceveins9632]

Im going to be making a vinyl waist cape and pleather corset, up until this point ive just hand sewn everything which works but it takes weeks to finish anything. Hoping these tips will help my production time!

[@WonderFilThreads]

Good luck with your project! That sounds very cool!

[@DavidHernandez-rz7qo]

Thank you

[@susanbartlett-ye6476]

Great post! I saw 5 yards of a unique pink clear vinyl... I wanted to make a bra with it for "Bragust".... not realy to wear but I can't wait to see how it turns out

[@WonderFilThreads]

That sounds like a great project! We're very excited for you too! 😍😍

[@justjames76]

You are awesome! Just what I needed!

[@hannahb9024]

Awesome tips! Thank you so much :)

[@debbiecroal4534]

I liked this segment. Good information. I love the tulips befind you. Is there a pattern for that. The tulips are so sweet.

[@ajahildreth8378]

Best tips!!!!! Thank you

[@shannoninalaska]

Thank you for explaining that. Very common sensical. I am not familiar with the terminology you use because this is basically the second video I have watched since doing my research. I am wanting to make a fitted Marine vinyl tablecloth with elastic edges. Is there anything else I need to consider? Or, do you think I should make the edges of the fitted material a different more malleable kind of cloth or other material?

[@jolenecaruso8948]

Very helpful!

[@tookalook1]

Thank you I learnd a lot from you already. :)

[@TheCurly67salazar]

Thank you so much

[@susansaldanha4927]

Can you show a video stitching a box long cushion with 2 curves on one sides using vinyl or faux leather, thank you

[@deannawebb5600]

Might attempt to sew together vinyl seat covers for my husbands car. deff nervous to do so. any tips or tricks would be very helpful

[@elijahprovencio1032]

Thx for the video..this helped a bunch!

[@boldandbeautiful98]

This was very helpful, thank you so very much!!!

[@noisehippo1561]

great video thank you!

[@helenaharms4110]

Thank you so much for these tips. I just ruined my sewing machine with sewing vinyl.

[@UnaFamiliaMexicana93]

You ruined your machine because of her tips?

[@lgbthc231]

@@UnaFamiliaMexicana93 pretty sure they ruined their machine before watching her video :)

[@fuatsani2721]

Wow this video reilly help me

[@debbievelazquez1467]

I would also like to see what to use for marking vinyl on the right side so it can wipe off

[@WonderFilThreads]

You can actually use tailors chalk or even regular chalk to mark vinyl and it will brush right off. If you're having trouble with layers of vinyl slipping, you can actually use scotch tape or double sided tape in the seam allowance. We recommend putting it in the seam allowance so you don't end up sewing through it as it can gum up your needle. Just make sure to test it on a scrap piece because if you're using a cheaper vinyl material, it might pull off the top layer when you take it off. You can also use sewing clips to hold it together, but again you'll want to test it on a scrap piece as they can leave a permanent indentation on cheaper vinyl.

[@debbievelazquez1467]

Thank you!

[@patrickfarley8036]

Hi, thanks for this video! I'm making my first attempt at sewing vinyl and I have a question please .... I'm making a "dust" cover for a bass guitar amp and cab using marine vinyl and, besides keeping the dust from collecting on my rig, I'm hoping it will keep my gear dry on those inclement show days getting from my car to the stage. My question is this, besides looking a bit more commercially made, does piping in the seams add any water resistance to those seams? Thank you!

[@ashlynsnana6631]

Thank you.

[@inthekitchen8842]

Hi. Do I sew a zipper into vinyl the same way as cotton?? I suppose not, so how is that done, please?

[@sheilaroch5548]

Hi I using this sewing machine fs60x. Can I use nylon threads for leather, pun pvs n canvas tq

[@feemariebeingme4108]

Great video thanks!

[@WonderFilThreads]

Glad to hear you found it helpful!

[@mrgreenkurtis]

I'm looking to redo my boat seats. What would you recommend using for a seam sealer. Also how about vinyl treatments for for water proofing.

[@WonderFilThreads]

Hi, a seam sealer would help. You can also use rubber cement to hold the seams flat, or topstitch, using a walking foot or a teflon foot, so it doesn't stick to the vinyl. Stores that sell outdoor gear and tenting supplies will sell waterproofing for tents, so you can read if it would work well on the material (we recommend pretesting on a scrap first!). Also consider taping the seams with a waterproof tape on the inside (gaff tape would work) to prevent moisture from entering through the seam lines. We also recommend using an enhanced polyester thread like HomeDec, as it will stand up better to sun and moisture.

[@strife8486]

I want to make a pleather overcoat for larping. open in the front

[@selenathompson958]

Thank you so much 💓

[@WonderFilThreads]

You're welcome 😊

[@rarutrili8021]

thanky answered my question

[@WonderFilThreads]

Glad to hear that!💕

[@mayrayscrubbiegalz]

Do you need a suture to sew with thicker material like Jean material and etc I was told that with thicker material you have to have a suture or it would mess up your ordinary home sewing machine

[@nancygesimondo112]

what about sewing woven vinyl..chilewich?

[@kishaphillips3129]

That you for your video I will subscribe and inwill tey the suggestions, I answering leather with my singer 4423 and having a hard time with the look of the stitch looking wonky and shaky. I am using a walking foot, leather needle and I will check my stitch length again

[@WonderFilThreads]

Sounds like you're doing everything right. Good luck with it!

[@robertoleeva985]

Yep good video and I don't even own a sewing machine

[@deej77066]

What type of thread should I use on a Peva shower liner?

[@brendaverwey7157]

Repairing an office chair. All pieces are good, except the middle front and back. I tried repairing them with a leather/vinyl kit, but a month later they are showing signs of wear. I want to replace only these pieces. How do you feel about sewing new vinyl to old?

[@WonderFilThreads]

You can certainly sew new vinyl to old vinyl, just keep in mind that the new vinyl may not be a perfect match to the old one.

[@dillphoenix7767]

I got a project coming up soon after a couple of costumes that I'm making this project in the future I'm going to make a new character and it's going to need leather well recycled leather because most are sometimes all of the materials that I use are recycled and the leather that I got it from was from a thrown out couch I'm not so used to sewing but I am excited to try and this costume that I'm going to be making is going to be an alien Bounty Hunter kind of like the predator and I wanted to add leather to mix things up with recycled materials I only use foam styrofoam blue foam purple phone pool noodles couch cushion cardboards a lot of it is recycled and from the trash so I wanted to do this with a Brother sewing machine do you think the Brother sewing machine would be enough to sew through real leather and also fake leather?

[@WonderFilThreads]

Good question! Brother makes A LOT of different kinds of sewing machines, so it really depends on the one you have. Definitely start sewing on some scrap pieces of material before you start working on your actual pattern. You should definitely consider using one of the heavier duty needles mentioned in the video as well. Try lengthening your stitch length so the stitching isn't as dense. You'll get a feel for how smoothly the material sews through on the test pieces and it will also give you a chance to inspect the stitch quality. If both the needle and bobbin threads are nested in the middle between the material pieces, you should be good to go. Good luck on your costume!

[@dillphoenix7767]

@@WonderFilThreads update I bought the sewing machine and it's still in the box and it's a brother xm2701 it costed $100 to purchase and wo far it's the cheapest I could find would this still work?

[@WonderFilThreads]

@@dillphoenix7767 The only way to know for sure is to try it out :) Try sewing some test scraps like we suggested. Go slow, use the right needle, and if the machine isn't struggling then it will be fine!

[@madtx00]

What sewing machine are you using?

[@MartinGSolis]

Hi, can you give us a link to the store where you purchased your walking foot? Yours looks better than the ones they sell at other stores.

[@WonderFilThreads]

We got ours from our local machine dealer. Not every foot will fit every machine, so it's best to speak with your machine store and see what's available for your particular machine.

[@MartinGSolis]

@@WonderFilThreads thank you, can you post their website please.

[@lotusshona6367]

Which one is the most durable 30 , 40 or 60

[@WonderFilThreads]

Hi! The 30wt will be the most durable weight since it's the thickest 🤗

[@marissaharlee222]

is there ant other brand of thread that can be used

[@sja10685]

I'm trying to sew marine vinyl to recover boat cushions. I have one large rectangle for the seat and two small almost rectangular pieces for the ends. The top corners of both end pieces are curved. I'm having trouble getting the edge of the seat (large rectangle) to go around the corners. Someone suggested warming the vinyl with a blow dryer. Do you think that will soften it enough to work? Can you give me any tips?

[@WonderFilThreads]

Warming the vinyl with a blow dryer is a great idea. Heat is a must for shaping vinyl around corners and edges. If you have any extra vinyl, you can try testing it on the spare piece of material to get a feel for using the heat to shape it.

[@carolynlfarlow3635]

I have a new BabyLock Triumph, do you know if I can make a cover for a steel guitar (or keyboard cover) with these tips and threads?

[@WonderFilThreads]

Absolutely, you sure can!

[@blackgirlsareblessed6688]

Whats the best tensions to use, my thread keeps bursting and bundling up

[@WonderFilThreads]

You shouldn't need to change your tension much with these fabrics. The first things you'll want to check are that you're using the correct size and type of needle. A leather needle or super non-stick needle works best. If your thread is a 40wt size, a 90/14 needle would be ideal. If the thread is thicker, then you'll want a larger needle.

[@el6605]

I use an old sew machines from "Butterfly" brand 😔 can I sew thick fabric on it with this way?

[@WonderFilThreads]

It's hard to say without testing it out first. If you don't want to go out and buy all the materials before knowing how your machine will do with it, you can take a piece of regular fabric and fold it over into a few layers so it's thicker, and test sew over it to see how your machine does.

[@Nina-vk5sl]

Cork material , my stitches are skipping???

[@WonderFilThreads]

Have you checked to make sure you're using the right type of needle? A heavier duty needle or a super non-stick needle may work better with cork.

[@GhazalDuitcaseservices]

can i have this machine pls?

[@katielove9932]

Sure. Go buy one!

[@sparklemint2458]

Thank you

[@lotusshona6367]

Thank you so much

[@lorettaleger2825]

Thank you